Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Net sales in Q2 2023 were 695.1million,an18.8855.6 million in Q2 2022, aligning with expectations [24] - Adjusted EBITDA was flat year-over-year at 106.3millioncomparedto106.8 million in Q2 2022, with adjusted EBITDA margin expanding by 281 basis points to 15.3% [8][29] - Free cash flow increased by 82% to 123.4millioninQ22023,upfromthepreviousyear[10][33]−Netincomeroseto51.2 million, a 25.2% increase from 40.9millioninthesameperiodlastyear[28]BusinessLineDataandKeyMetricsChanges−Thenewconstructionmarketshowedsequentialdemandincrease,benefitingfromapauseininterestratehikes,whiletherepairandremodelmarketexperiencedaslightdeclineinpoint−of−saleactivity[11][12]−TheU.S.retailchannelwaslargelyinlinewithexpectations,butdealercustomersreportedconsumersbeingmorebudget−consciousandseekingmultiplequotes[13][57]−Canadianmarketperformancewasbelowexpectations,withanticipatedweaknesscontinuingintothesecondhalfof2023[14]MarketDataandKeyMetricsChanges−Thenewconstructionmarketistrendingbetter,whiletherepairandremodelmarketisexpectedtoremainsoftfortheremainderof2023[15][35]−Thecompanynotedthatconsumerspendingisshiftingtowardsvacations,impactingremodelingprojectdecisions[56]CompanyStrategyandDevelopmentDirection−ThecompanyisfocusedonstrategicinitiativessuchasAligntoGrow,LeadThroughLean,andTechEnabledtodriveoperationalexcellenceandfuturegrowth[10][15]−Investmentsintechnologyandsupplychainoptimizationareexpectedtoenhanceefficiencyandsupportgrowthinitiatives[17][20]−Thecompanyplanstoincreaseinvestmentspendingfor2023,raisingtheadjustedEBITDAoutlookto345 million to 365million[36]Management′sCommentsonOperatingEnvironmentandFutureOutlook−ManagementexpressedconfidenceintheabilitytomaintainorexpandadjustedEBITDAmarginsyear−over−yeardespiteasofterdemandenvironment[36]−Thecompanyanticipatesmid−teensyear−over−yeardeclineinnetsalesforthesecondhalfof2023,withexpectationsofnormalseasonality[35]−Managementhighlightedtheimportanceofpreparingforfuturegrowthduringthecurrentsofterdemandperiod[21][39]OtherImportantInformation−Thecompanypublisheditsinauguralenvironmental,social,andgovernance(ESG)reportandwasrecognizedasoneofAmerica′sSafestCompanies[22][23]−Thecompanyhasinitiatedastockrepurchaseprogram,repurchasing404,858sharesatacostofapproximately4.4 million [34] Q&A Session Summary Question: Impact of pricing in the back half of the year - Management indicated a return to a normal pricing environment without the need for price increases, utilizing a breadth of product offerings to meet customer needs [42][43] Question: Trade down impact on top line declines - Management acknowledged trade downs as a factor but stated it was in line with expectations and not materially impactful [45] Question: ERP system modernization - Management noted that there are about 5 to 6 more facilities that require modernization to improve data clarity and efficiency [46][47] Question: Margin walk for the second half of the year - Management highlighted expected revenue declines and increased investments, with historical patterns indicating lower profitability in the fourth quarter [52][54] Question: Changes in project size or cancellations - Management reported no significant cancellations but noted consumers are more selective and may be delaying projects [56][58] Question: Lag between housing starts and sales - Management indicated that the lag continues to decrease, with a normalized pace expected by the end of the year [61] Question: Input cost quantification and inventory flow - Management stated that material costs represent about 50% of cost of sales, with inventory costs aligning with new incoming inventory [63][66] Question: Growth relative to the market - Management believes growth will be on par with the market, with ongoing investments aimed at accelerating growth in 2024 [67][70]